CHEF’S WANTED FOR LOCAL FOOD COOKING DEMOS

This fall Detroit Public Schools began a Farm to School program in 18 of the districts schools ranging from Early Childhood Centers to High Schools, where a locally grown fruit or vegetable is incorporated into the daily school lunch program once a month. As part of the farm to school program, students are able to learn about where and how their food was grown and begin to understand the meaning of the local food system and seasonality. As part of this educational experience, the Office of Food Service would like to invite area chefs to lead cooking demonstrations that teach students, parents and staff how to use leftover produce. Interested chefs should contact Michaelle Rehmann, FSEP Farm to School Program Director at rehmannm@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 222.3817.

DPS Local Food Day - Thursday

Detroit Public Schools will be holding their first Farm to School event on Thursday, September 17th. Students in 18 schools will enjoy Detroit grown summer squash (from D-Town Farms) and Michigan grown cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Volunteers are needed to talk with children in the cafeteria on Thursday about the importance of local food and to enourage them to try something new. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Michaelle Rehmann at rehmannm@ewashtenaw.org

Stay tuned later in the week for photos of the Detroit school event and more exciting information!

In The News

Farm to School Programs in Jackson County were featured in a great article in the Jackson Citizen Patriot on Thursday. Check it out at: http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/09/program_supplies_fresh_produce.html

Welcome

Farm to School in Southeast Michigan is growing daily. The energy, enthusiasm, excitement and support for the program has been amazing and continues to inspire me daily. As more school districts develop programs, I thought it would be helpful for us to start a blog where we can share ideas and learn from one another. I look forward to sharing stories of local food in the coming months as children across the southeast corner of the state enjoy the bountiful produce that is grown in our region. I hope you enjoy our posts and I look forward to your comments and insights.

Enjoy!
Michaelle